5. Are credit cards and e-checks accepted?

YES, Master Card, Visa, and Discover cards are accepted online or by calling (1-866-956-9866). American Express is accepted online only. There is a convenience fee charged by PayPal for these services. For Credit Cards, the fee is $ 0.30 + 2.2% per transaction. For e-checks, the fee is a flat $0.50.

7. Have my real estate taxes been paid?

8. What if I pay my taxes late?

Payments will not be accepted on the website after the due date. Payments can be made in the office or mailed to our office. If your payment is paid or post-marked after the due date, State Law mandates a penalty be assessed. The penalties are as follows:

12. Why is the previous owner’s name on my tax bill?

When a property has been recently transferred it takes one year to clear the previous owner’s name out of the system. This does not mean that you are not responsible for the payment of your real estate tax bill.

16. Why are real estate taxes collected one year in arrears?

Tax levies are imposed in the year voted on by the citizenry. For example, during the regular May primary or November general elections, the levies passed by the voters are for that current tax year. However, the tax bills are actually payable in the following year. For example, the voters approve a five year levy in November of 2011 – the tax bills for 2011 will be payable in 2012.

17. Is there a real estate tax deduction for elderly or disabled people?

YES. The Homestead Credit is available to anyone 65 years of age or older who has income less than $31,800 or who is permanently and totally disabled, and who apply for this credit with the AthensCounty Auditor’s Office between the first Monday in January and the first Monday in June. You can get this application by clicking HERE. Simply complete the form, print it out, and mail it to the Athens County Auditor prior to the deadline. Postmarks are acceptable.